Clinical Trials
eQcell conducts clinical trials for the purpose of achieving veterinary drug approvals. The literature has established that these animal data are of pre-clinical value for human drug development in the indication.
eQcell’s dual-purpose use of animal data is a novel product development strategy for human stem cell therapeutics in regenerative therapies for non-life-threatening disorders since it includes the evaluation of safety and efficacy using genetically-diverse, relevant, large animal models of spontaneous disease. The One Health process is recognized by regulatory agencies, IPAC Canada and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/index.html.
eQcell has completed enrolment in two equine clinical trials novel in Canada and the USA, and is currently enrolling in one equine and one canine trial in Canada. These trials are designed to produce data to inform pivotal trials anticipated to initiate in 2026 for the commercialization of its innovative therapies in a diverse range of conditions within the scope of veterinary health. Provided the data from equine trials are positive they will warrant studies in humans in the targeted indication, consistent with One Health principles and eQcell’s paradigm of dual-purpose clinical trials.
Advancing Arthritis Care in Horses Through Regenerative Medicine
Study Title: Do Activated Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Treat Equine Fetlock and Carpal Osteoarthritis Effectively?
Study Investigator: Dr. Judith Koenig
This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of activated allogeneic equine umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stromal cells (CB-MSCs) compared to a commercial Autologous Protein Solution (Pro-Stride® APS) for the treatment of naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA) in the fetlock or carpus (knee) of horses.
Previous studies have shown that horses are 3.4 times more likely to return to previous work compared with hyaluronic acid (HA) and that eQcell’s stem cells reduce structural damage within the joints. This study compares two different dosages of stem cells to Prostride® APS so a horse has 67% chance of receiving stem cells in the study. Veterinarian from OVC will drive to farms for treatment and assessment if the horse cannot be transported to OVC. Please contact Dr. Judith Koenig at jkoenig@uoguelph.ca if you would like to learn more about the study and enrolment.
Inclusion Criteria:
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Lameness localized by blocking to the fetlock or carpus
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Grade 2 or 3 on Lameness score
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Radiographs of the affected joint
Exclusion Criteria:
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Narrowing of the joint space on radiographs
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Previous MSC treatment in the joint to be treated
Efficacy of activated allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal cells for treatment of synovitis in horses
Lead Investigator: Dr. Judith Koenig
Graduate Student: Dr. Rodrigo Munevar Luque
Sponsors: Ontario Veterinary College, eQcell Inc. and Dechra Canada
Synovial inflammation is present in the osteoarthritic joint having a role in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis, likely by modifying synovial biology. Equine and canine synovitis is a painful and debilitating condition that can be difficult to manage due to inferior quality repair tissue leading to OA, a progressive disease for which there is no cure.
A form of stem cell therapy, where stem cells are extracted from umbilical cord blood, has come to the forefront in recent years as a potential therapeutic option for joint injury. This cell therapy may help to decrease inflammation and prevent further degeneration of tissues. Recent advancements and research from this team have highlighted mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy as a promising avenue for joint injury management. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of activated MSC in cryomedium versus those in hyaluronic acid (HA) and HA alone.
Inclusion Criteria:
Horses with a diagnosis of synovitis/osteoarthritis of the fetlock or carpus
Status: Open, Enrollment
Click here to learn more or ask questions about this study
Treatment of Elbow Dysplasia Patients with Canine Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Lead Investigator: Dr. Melissa MacIver
Graduate Student: Dr. Rebecca Beardall (DVSc)
Sponsors: Ontario Veterinary College and eQcell Inc.
Joint inflammation and associated diseases are common in dogs, with an estimate of 20% of dogs developing osteoarthritis (OA) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28967360/. Large to giant breed dogs are often diagnosed with elbow dysplasia (ED), which tends to lead to OA later in life. Current treatments, such as medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)) and surgery, are not effective in all dogs. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have clinically demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and will be developed as a treatment option for immune and inflammatory disorders in dogs such as ED. This alternative shall be tested for improved safety and efficacy and require less owner compliance than NSAIDs.
Inclusion Criteria:
Dogs that have a confirmed diagnosis of bilateral elbow dysplasia and are otherwise healthy
Status: Open, Enrollment
Click here to learn more or ask questions about this study
